Crossmen 2007 Auditions

[Moose]

Crossmen Auditions Resume this Weekend

Thursday, December 14, 2006

By: Caryn Goebel

 

Become part of this Texas-sized legend

 

What an extraordinary feeling it would be to become a member of the first World Class Division I drum corps making its debut in 2007 from Texas. Those doors to making drum corps history are still wide open for musicians and performers as the Crossmen continue auditions for all sections this weekend in San Antonio.

 

Don't let the huge turn-out of nearly 400 hopefuls in November scare you away. The staff was ecstatic with the enormous interest in the Crossmen, and some fabulous talent was asked to return. But to make this legendary drum corps the absolute best it can be, all caption supervisors still seek those highly skilled and dedicated individuals who can handle the demands of a what's turning out to be a very challenging 2007 program.

 

Camp begins Friday, Dec. 15 at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas, with registration being held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rehearsals kick into gear right away, and auditions will run throughout the day Saturday. Camp comes to a close at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 following what is always a moving ensemble rehearsal where the weekend's hard work and lessons come together.

 

The camp is the second to be held in the corps' new home of San Antonio, Texas. The relocation was announced by Youth Education in the Arts' staff in September, and after much planning and coordination between the Allentown, Pa., office and new Corps' Director Mark Chambers and his management team, the transition is going smoothly.

 

"Last month's camp went great. There were no problems," Chambers said. "All participants were really into the experience and extremely professional and we received a great deal of positive feedback."

 

Chambers feels the talent level seen in students at the November camp was good, although much of those who auditioned were very young. "Great for the future building of a corps," he said.

 

For those interested in seeking a place in the corps and are unfamiliar with the audition process, Chambers assures musicians and performers that the Crossmen staff strive to keep the environment relaxed where prospective members can learn and grow from their weekend experience.

 

"We give feedback to a prospective member and a number of 1, 2 or 3. Based on that number, they can determine if they think it's worth it for them to attend the next camp. We will evaluate those that return and give them feedback as to whether they have a good shot at a spot or not," Chambers said.

 

Veteran Crossmen member Mike Gottier will be returning to Bones this weekend and can't wait to rekindle those friendships with members for the first time since the corps left the East Coast. A job interview kept the baritone player from attending the Crossmen banquet in Philadelphia several weeks ago, so getting back to dear friends and seeing what potential Texas holds for the corps is exciting to Gottier.

 

"I saw the video of the audition camp where they played "Russian Christmas Music" and it was great. It really made me look forward to the season and the possibilities for the corps," Gottier said.

 

Join Gottier and so many other Crossmen vets who can't wait to make drum corps history in 2007! Click here to see a full camp schedule, and to RSVP to the Crossmen Dec. 15-17 audition camp in San Antonio, Texas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember, ANYONE is welcome to come audition. you DID NOT have to attend the last camp to come to this one. This audition is open to ANYONE and the corps will continue auditioning folks until they have 135 people who can be succesful with the Crossmen.

 

See you there! Registration starts at 6:00 pm on Friday.

 

 

When all else is gone.... the BONES still remain